Stocked up on mouthwash? Research shows it could curb Covid

Mouthwash can kill coronavirus within 30 seconds of being exposed to it in a lab, a scientific study indicates.

There were “promising signs” that over-the-counter mouthwashes may help to destroy the virus. Clinical trials are ongoing.

Dentyl is the only UK mouthwash brand to take part in the 12-week clinical trial, titled: “The measurement of mouthwash anti-viral activity against COVID-19”.

The research showed that ethanol alone had no effect on virus infectivity, which led scientists to write in their paper that “the inclusion of essential oils such as in Listerine Cool Mint or the compound LAE found in Listerine Advanced appears to be required for optimal efficacy.”

Over the counter mouthwash

Dr Nick Claydon said the study could lead to mouthwash becoming an important part of people’s routines.

While the research suggests use of mouthwash may help kill the virus in saliva, there is not evidence it could be used as a treatment for coronavirus, as it will not reach the the respiratory tract or the lungs.

Dr Claydon, a specialist periodontologist, said: “If these positive results are reflected in Cardiff University’s clinical trial, CPC-based mouthwashes… could become an important addition to people’s routine, together with hand washing, physical distancing and wearing masks, both now and in the future.”

Prof David Thomas, from the university, said the initial results were encouraging, but the clinical trial would not produce evidence of how to prevent transmission between patients.

“Whilst these mouthwashes very effectively eradicate the virus in the laboratory, we need to see if they work in patients and this is the point of our ongoing clinical study,” he said.

“The ongoing clinical study will, however, show us how long any effects last, following a single administration of the mouthwash in patients with Covid-19.

“We need to understand if the effect of over-the-counter mouthwashes on the Covid-19 virus achieved in the laboratory can be reproduced in patients.”

Don’t be surprised to see demand for mouthwash spike in the coming weeks and months.